Known simply as "The Breakaways", the
Breakaway Reserve gets
its name from the massive rocks and plateaus that from a distance looks like
they have "broken away" from the main range known as the Stuart Ranges. This ancient Australian
landscape, dates back over 70 million years ago,
and features many flat-topped mesas, that would once have been islands in a vast inland sea.

Located on the Aboriginal Antakirinja Land, The Breakaways region hold an important place in the
local Indigenous people's stories and dreamtime. The Breakaways is a teaching
place for young Wati's (men), and much of the stories can not be revealed to
the uninitiated.

Although this region may appear inhospitable and barren, if you keep your eyes
peeled, you can see many examples of native flora and fauna. Among the wildlife
that call this region home, are Perenties and the Goulds Goanna, being the
largest lizards in this region. Bronze-backed legless lizards, central and
Nullarbor bearded dragons and earless dragons are also common here. One of the
deadliest land snakes, the Inland Taipan are also found in this region.

There are stories about the lizards in the region. One of the land formations is
about the Bearded Dragon Lizard (Ungkata), which is the totem for the
Antakirinja People.

Another story told by the Indigenous People of Outback Australia, is that of the
goanna calling for rain. When a goanna is seen up on the branches of a tree, it
means that the goanna is calling for rain.

Breakaways Reserve - Snapshots from South Australia

Perenties and Goulds goanna are the largest lizards in this region of South
Australia.

The ‘Old People’ say when you see a goanna climbing up a tree or old log, it is
calling for rain, to bring life back to the land, calling to the spirits who may
be willing to listen and send rain.